League leaders Al-Fateh will face Netbusters and would want to get back their golden form as FC Bengal, who play FC Lawless, are closing up

FCB Sparta will look for another inspired performance, this time to keep out Diablos FC

8:00 AM –Al-Fateh v Netbusters

Probably still reeling from their shock loss to a rampant FCB Sparta side, Al-Fateh take on Netbusters in the first game of the ninth round of matches. Netbusters horrible form shows no signs of abating and they will hope that they are not at the wrong end of a backlash from the dented egos of the Al-Fateh players.

9:30 AM –FC Kudlu v Athlos United

The clash of the Keralites is up next when FC Kudlu take on Athlos United. Athlos will have the upper hand going into this one both on current form and the quality in the team. FC Kudlu’s lack of options up front has damaged a promising start to the season.

Athlos have picked up the pace off late and are bang in the middle of what is turning out to be an interesting race for promotion which is sure to go down to the wire.

Crystal Ball: FC Kudlu (0) – (2) Athlos United

11:00 AM – FC Sparta Bengaluru v Diablos FC

The team that has helped blow the title race wide open, FC Sparta will take on Diablos FC in the third game of the day. This game could not have come at a better time for the Spartans and they will be out to prove that last week was not a one-off performance.

Diablos have just got back to winning ways and will be wary of their opposition, although they have the pedigree to win this one, making this an exciting match-up.

Crystal Ball: FC Sparta Bengaluru (2) – (2) Diablos FC

12:30 PM – FC Bengal v FC Lawless

The last game before lunch sees FC Bengal pit their wits against FC Lawless. FC Bengal need no push to win games and Al-Fateh’s loss last week only gives them even more impetus to do all they can chase the title.

Saheed cannot stop scoring at the moment and is coasting his way to the Golden Boot. Lawless meanwhile have flattered to deceive and need to put in more consistent performances to climb up a few places in the table.

Crystal Ball: FC Bengal (3) – (0) FC Lawless

2:15 PM – Titans FC v FC Brunton

The post-lunch session is kicked off with the game between Titans FC and FC Brunton. Titans promotion hopes have taken a major hit after two successive draws, both games they should have ideally won. The teams around them have now stolen the march on Titans and they will need to get maximum points of the remaining games to stay in contention for promotion.

FC Brunton had a six-point weekend and suddenly look like a team sitting comfortably in mid-table. This will, however, not be an easy game for either team but one that Titans have to win to stay in the race for promotion.

Crystal Ball: Titans FC (1) – (0) FC Brunton

3:45 PM – Joras v Grasshoppers FC

The final game of the day sees Joras lock horns with Grasshoppers FC. Joras have steadied the ship somewhat after their string of losses mid-season lifting them up to 8th place. Grasshoppers are just below them in 9th and their fall from the top has been hard to watch.

They have fallen apart as a team and can seem to find the route to goal anymore. Joras do not have as many options up front as they would like to have but they have a good enough midfield that can get them the goals. Joras should be able to clinch this one if they have a full-strength squad available.